South Carolina ‘Teacher of the Year’ Accused of Stalking, Writing Love Letters to 11-Year-Old Student

The Investigation Begins

Dylan Robert Dukes, a former elementary school teacher at Starr Elementary in South Carolina, who had also received the honor of “Teacher of the Year” in 2023, now stands accused of stalking and to peculiar extents, obsessing over an 11-year-old student from his school. Dukes allegedly penned more than 60 love letters to the young girl, complete with cards, gifts, and inappropriate expressions of affection, such as unwanted hugs, which are reported to have made the child uncomfortable.

According to the local authorities, prior to the onset of summer vacations this year, Dukes presented a personalized box to the girl that contained a letter for each day of the week, intended for the young girl to read during her summer break.

Unsettling Developments

In more odd and unsettling behavior, upon learning that the young girl would not be attending his school anymore, Dukes started appearing at the church the girl and her family attended. Upon the investigations initiated when this unusual behavior was reported, the officials searched Duke’s classroom and found numerous non-sexual but extraordinarily personal photographs of the child in his possession.

Legal Proceedings and Parent’s Fear

Dylan Robert Dukes has been booked at the Anderson County Detention Center under charges of stalking. Fortunately, the harassment and stalking were stopped before any physical harm was done to the child. The parents have expressed their fear and concern about Dukes having unrestricted access to their family.

The child’s distraught mother, while testifying in the court hearing, said, “My child has been handed love notes by an adult male countless times.” She further confirmed Dukes’ visit to the family church and a growing obsession towards the child. The father expressed his concern over the unforeseen dangers the family might face if Dukes were to be released.

Pleas and Court’s Verdict

In the light of the events, Dukes’ attorney has pleaded for his client’s release on bond, citing his credential of being named the Teacher of the Year and asserting that he poses no flight risk. However, given the seriousness of the allegations and the concern expressed by the victim’s parents, the presiding judge has held Dukes on a $50,000 surety bond. The judge also clearly stated that given Dukes gets released, he is to have absolutely no contact with the victim or her family.

Concerns in the Community

The incident has raised significant concerns in the community regarding pupil safety. The authorities have underlined the importance of vigilance within educational institutions and among parents.